Use of Mise En Scene and sound in the opening to Phantom of the Opera

Use of Mise en Scene and sound in the opening to Phantom of the Opera:

At the beginning of the opening scene there is off-screen diegetic sound, which continues to a sound bridge when the first image of a candle appears. In regards to mise en scene the candle is key to the setting as it is the only source of light, showing that the period of the film is a long time ago before electricity. The picture that the candle is illuminating is then the main focus to the scene as it carries the viewer into the story. The picture is in black and white and as it begins to move in to become the story it continues in black and white, which could signify that the setting of the film was in a time previous to colour. Throughout this part of the clip the sound is orchestral as well as pensive. This adds to the idea of the setting of the film being before high technology as there are no computerised sounds of synths. As the scene progresses through the picture there is on-screen diegetic sound from the cars and people in the street. There is a close up shot of a figure in a wheelchair, and their costume is very official and smart. This signals the status of the character as he has the money to buy suits. In the following scene the figure goes into a grand building, however on the inside it is decrepit, possibly giving context to the film if there were an economic downfall for example. As the figures continue through the building into a hall there is top lighting that beams down on items covered in white sheets. As they’re at an auction this may be symbolic of all the amazing purchases available. The link between nature of the auction and the decrepit building may gives hints to the context of the film and may set the premise for what is to come. There is on-screen diegetic sound which is the voice of the auctioneer. This gives a feel of realism to the scene. The scene then focuses less on the auction but on the figure and a woman. This change is significant as the sound is harmonious and rolling. Following this the main feature of the auction is revealed through a birds-eye camera shot; a chandelier is revealed with great important as the light/scene changes to colour with rich reds and gold’s, as well as uplifting majestic yet mysterious sound. This creates a strong atmosphere of life being powered into the building as well as being the connection to the new story. Life is ignited into the building and rejuvenated. There is a large contrast as people now flurry around the building in costumes suggesting that the building once was a theatre. Similarly there are large crowds dressed in attire of the day the film was set in and the set and scene is exactly the same with a man getting out a carriage however this time there is less of an air of mystery around his character. This suggests that the first initial scene was the future and this is the past, when one the man was young, and the theatre was thriving. During these scenes the sound is majestic, rising and searing which adds to the idea of the theatre being regal and of importance; these sounds are off-screen diegetic however give the scene atmosphere. The theatre is busy and thriving with people, actors, actresses, costumes and props, suggesting it was very successful and also showing the contrast to the future of how much it has changed and gone into disrepair; this adds to the idea of the context to the film that there may have been some sort of economic depression which led to this disrepair. These two different scenes of the same place mainly show the contrast of the past and future, this is done through the different uses of light, setting and colour, which create the atmosphere and premise for the film.